Dun Laoghaire is set once again for a spectacular global carnival weekend as the Festival of World Cultures will see 800 musicians and artists, plus another 1000 participants and volunteers descend on the seaside town to perform and take part in 150 live gigs, performances and events in a whole host of venues throughout the town. This year's programme offers a cultural cavalcade of music and arts, with a stellar line-up of headline musical acts including the infectious rhythms of Tiken Jah, the ethereal Sa Dinding, the legendary Ethiopiques and the exquisite Yungchen Lhamo. In addition, the ever popular Global Village presents a textile showcase and our Dun Laoghaire Mela, celebrating South Asian arts, features a dramatic Kathakali play. This year Deán Nos/Bris Nos takes place throughout the Kingston Hotel with unique Irish and international collaborations including Kila's Rossa O'Snodaigh with Morocco's Hassan Erraji at the Festival Club. The new Festival Cafe offers a diverse range of gourmet food traders, the Purty Kitchen Cafe Bar and bouncy summer tunes from the Mr. Whippy Soundsystem. Other musical highlights over the course of the weekend include Lisa Hannigan, Liam O’Maonlai and Banaya, the ambassadors of the Mandinka griot tradition. The festival takes place from the 22nd to the 24th of August and tickets for selected events are available by calling 01 8721122.